New Books in Economics

Christine M. Larson, a Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, dives into the transformative impact of self-publishing on romance authors in her latest work. She reveals how Romancelandia evolved into a supportive community, enabling these writers to thrive despite historical challenges. The discussion highlights a striking 73% income increase among romance authors, showcasing their success in the digital economy. Larson also addresses the ongoing struggle for representation and inclusivity, emphasizing the solidarity among marginalized voices in this genre.

Matt Beane, Assistant Professor of Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara, explores the crucial balance between human skills and automation in his book. He discusses how AI impacts skill-sharing, especially in professional settings, and tackles the challenge of maintaining mentor-mentee relationships. Beane highlights innovative training systems and shares insights on using generative AI in skill development. Additionally, he unveils his new role with Skill Bench, aiming to transform surgical training through technology and collaborative learning.

Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg, Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale and former Chief Economist of the World Bank, dives into the multifaceted impacts of globalization. She discusses the shift from hyper-globalization to skepticism, driven by political events like Brexit. Goldberg examines how globalization disproportionately affects various communities, leading to anti-globalization sentiments. She also explores the vulnerabilities revealed by COVID-19 and advocates for resilient supply chains and place-based policies to support affected regions.

Ulises Mejias, a Communication Studies professor, and Nick Couldry, a media and social theory expert, tackle the urgent issue of data colonialism in this thought-provoking discussion. They illuminate how Big Tech's data extraction mirrors historical colonial practices, disproportionately benefiting certain races while exploiting gig workers. The duo advocates for resistance, encouraging listeners to reconsider the implications of technology on labor dynamics and the environment. They emphasize the necessity of educating future generations to confront these pervasive issues head-on.

Join Odile Mackett, a senior researcher from South Africa, and Sara Stevano, a senior lecturer at SOAS University of London, as they delve into the transformative book "Feminist Political Economy: A Global Perspective." They discuss the critical importance of addressing unpaid labor and the dynamics of inequality in households. The conversation highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic revealed flaws in traditional economic frameworks and why integrating feminist theories can reshape development policies. Their insights challenge mainstream narratives and broaden our understanding of social reproduction.

Melissa B. Jacoby, Graham Kenan Professor of Law, dives into the complexities of America's bankruptcy system. She explains how it serves the wealthy while leaving marginalized communities more vulnerable. The discussion reveals how racial disparities in bankruptcy impact Black Americans and exacerbate economic inequality. Jacoby also highlights the preferential treatment corporations receive and the need for reforms to ensure fairness. Her insights illuminate the connections between bankruptcy and broader social justice issues, making a compelling case for systemic change.

Nicholas Moore, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia and architect of the national economic strategy, discusses the vital ties between Australia and Southeast Asia. He highlights the region's projected growth and its significance for Australia’s economic future. The conversation emphasizes the need for enhanced language literacy, collaboration among universities, and the opportunities for research in agriculture, governance, and energy transition, all aimed at deepening economic ties and fostering mutual prosperity.

Jeremy Brecher, a historian and lifelong activist, discusses his book, "The Green New Deal from Below." He highlights the significance of grassroots movements driving climate action alongside social justice. Brecher delves into local initiatives like Boston's Green New Deal, showcasing how communities are creating equitable projects. He emphasizes the need to integrate social justice into climate policies, countering public opposition. Inspiring case studies, like a Native American co-op and innovative partnerships in mining, illustrate ordinary people's impact on sustainable practices.

Benjamin Shestakofsky, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Behind the Startup," dives into the intricate world of venture capital. He discusses how investment patterns not only drive innovation in the tech sector but also exacerbate social inequalities. Shestakofsky shares his firsthand insights on the evolving dynamics of work and compensation, as well as the ethical dilemmas tech companies face. His transition from academia to startup life illustrates the complex interplay between technology, labor, and the capitalist landscape.

Larry Alan Busk, a visiting assistant professor and author known for exploring conservative and critical theory intersections, dives deep into the nuances of political philosophy. He discusses how critical theory often mirrors right-wing thought rather than opposing it. The conversation spans the evolution of right-wing ideology, analyzing thinkers like Hayek and Schmitt while questioning beliefs about spontaneous order and rational design. Busk emphasizes the urgent need for critical theory to address modern challenges like climate change, blurring the lines between left and right in today's discourse.